Governor Inslee extends pause on reopening phases at least until July 28
Gov. Jay Inslee said a pause on reopening phases under the state’s Safe Start plan will continue until at least July 28.
“We have to look where we’re going to be, not just where we are, and we are heading to big trouble if we do not figure out a way to knock this pandemic down,” he said at a virtual press conference Tuesday.
He said the next week or so will determine what the virus will look like in the fall in Washington state, and that he’s particularly concerned about the growing percentage of cases among people in their 20s.
Bar top service and live entertainment have already been restricted, and the governor said: “people should not be surprised if more gets rolled back, depending on the course of this pandemic.”
That’ll be influenced by how many people wear masks and practice social distancing, he said.
He noted that the governors of Oregon and California have reinstated certain restrictions, and said that’s a possibility in Washington, as well.
“Doing so would be really tough, tough decisions,” he said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered the closure of some businesses Monday, such as indoor restaurants and movie theaters. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown put a new limit on indoor social gatherings and expanded a mask mandate.
An order in Washington state last month made facial coverings mandatory in public places with some exceptions.
Asked about the likelihood of restrictions such as rolling back phases or additional business restrictions in the next couple weeks, Inslee said: “There is a significant chance that we would have to take some of these measures. ... I am simultaneously hopeful that we’re going to see a continued increase in social distancing and masking, and recognition that that may not be enough, given the numbers that we are seeing.”
The Washington State Department of Health reported 1,101 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 Monday, for a total of 41,757 cases and 1,399 deaths.
Asked about school in the fall, Inslee said: “The current plan is to have on-site instruction to the extent that the districts believe is safe,” and that “this is dependent on our ability to keep these numbers down.”
Inslee said he expects to meet with the state Superintendent of Public Instruction in the next couple days, and will “probably have more to say about that.”
Some places might have in-person classes a couple days a week. Others may be “fully remote,” he said.
The governor said he’s hopeful that the use of masks and social distancing will increase.
“We’ve never done something together so fast, which is to mask up,” Inslee said.
He said a survey suggests 95 percent of people are wearing masks in Yakima stores, compared to 35 percent a few weeks ago.
The governor also noted that leaders in Washington D.C. have been wearing masks in public, including President Donald Trump for the first time this weekend.
“We hope that will continue,” Inslee said.
Inlsee also expressed his condolences to the loved ones of Bothell police officer Jonathan Shoop, who was fatally shot Monday night.
“While more information is still being gathered, it appears that the injuries to a second officer shot last night do not seem to be life-threatening,” he said in a statement. “We are relieved to know a suspect has been apprehended and we will continue to follow this situation. I send the deepest condolences to the family and friends of this public servant who was killed while serving the community.”
This story was originally published July 14, 2020 at 4:29 PM with the headline "Governor Inslee extends pause on reopening phases at least until July 28."
